Performance difference betw A4 and M6
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 107
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Performance difference betw A4 and M6
Hello all, Im in the process of purchasing a 99 Vet and I have a good deal on an auto.
My question is, how different is the performance of the A4 compared to the manual tranny?
Im interested in 0-60 and 1/4 mile times.
I tried searching this but the results dont specify wether or not is A4.
Thanks and hopefully I will be part of the family soon!!
My question is, how different is the performance of the A4 compared to the manual tranny?
Im interested in 0-60 and 1/4 mile times.
I tried searching this but the results dont specify wether or not is A4.
Thanks and hopefully I will be part of the family soon!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,055
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From: Jax Florida
GM trannies are more closely matched than another brands, but there is still a difference in performance. If you are worried about performance, you most likely like to shift anyway so the decision is easy.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2004
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I have an A4 but would agree that a 6 speed is more fun to drive. I had to consider that my wife might drive the car from time to time so I went with the A4. Also has alot to do with the type of driving you'll be doing, if its alot of stop and go using the clutch can get old quick.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,055
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From: Jax Florida
Even better...make your own judgement...
1/4-mile List for Regular C5s
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1656553
1/4-mile List for Regular C5s
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1656553
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If I remember right, the factory listed the 0-60 time for the M6 as 4.8 seconds and the auto was around 5.0 seconds. Quarter mile time was 13.2 for the M6 and about 13.4 for the auto.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,841
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From: CLT, North Carolina
If two otherwise identical cars, one an M6 and the other an A4 were side by side projects to see who could build the faster car the A4 would win. The M6 could never overcome a "loose" torque converter in the A4 car. The M6 can be more fun to drive on the street in good conditions, however, with stuck in traffic not being one of them.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 940
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From: Surprise Arizona
Depends on the axle ratio. From everything I've seen, and we are talking about stock-for-stock here, an M6 yield a 0-60 advantage of about .3-.4 secs over the A4 with standard 2.73 axle.
An A4 with the 3:15 "performance" axle will close that gap to about .2 secs.
In both cases, the advantage in the 1/4 mi. will be just slightly greater than the above. This assumes perfect M6 launching and shifting by a very competent driver. In many instances, an A4 will outrun an M6 with if there's a novice behind the wheel.
It should also be noted that GM tunes these cars very conservatively. In other words, GM leaves a lot of horsepower on the table with the factory tune. This goes double for the A4 which can be transformed with a good tune.
With a good tune, an A4 with 3:15 axle will run almost neck-and-neck with an M6 making it a driver's race.
Good luck with your decision! Either way, you can't lose.
An A4 with the 3:15 "performance" axle will close that gap to about .2 secs.
In both cases, the advantage in the 1/4 mi. will be just slightly greater than the above. This assumes perfect M6 launching and shifting by a very competent driver. In many instances, an A4 will outrun an M6 with if there's a novice behind the wheel.
It should also be noted that GM tunes these cars very conservatively. In other words, GM leaves a lot of horsepower on the table with the factory tune. This goes double for the A4 which can be transformed with a good tune.
With a good tune, an A4 with 3:15 axle will run almost neck-and-neck with an M6 making it a driver's race.
Good luck with your decision! Either way, you can't lose.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 10,179
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From: Wesley Chapel, FL Las Vegas, NV
With a good tune, an A4 with 3:15 axle will run almost neck-and-neck with an M6 making it a driver's race.
GM quoted 1/4 times are with Pro Drivers.
The driver is less of a variable in an A4. Also the consistency of the A4 with put it ahead of the M6 a majority of the time.
On the strip with a good launch and solid shifting the M6 has a slight advantage.
On the street from a stop advantage A4.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 785
Likes: 6
The A4 in 90% of cases will win races. Hold foot to floor & steer. I say this b/c "most" drivers can't properly shift the M6. I've been in plenty of performace cars in my life & have 1 (count em) ONE friend that can shift his car properly. His drivetrain is "Mike proofed" as well cause he hammers the snot out of each shift. Most guys can't/won't do this cause they are afraid of tearing up parts...me included. With that said, M6 is great fun to drive ! My A4 w/3.90's & converter is also fun too drive.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,437
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I can really tell a difference with my A4 after the tune!!!
No torque mgmt and fast shifts that you can really FEEL!!!
Personally, I think the 6 is more fun on an OPEN road, but if you are subject to driving the car in traffic, you may not like it much. Or at least your leg/knee wont !
No torque mgmt and fast shifts that you can really FEEL!!!
Personally, I think the 6 is more fun on an OPEN road, but if you are subject to driving the car in traffic, you may not like it much. Or at least your leg/knee wont !
Racer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 366
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From: Chicago IL
From my experience for Manual to beat Auto u got to have very good launch and shifting and alot of ppl will screw it up when they are under pressure. For regular driving Auto is also faster than Manual b/c when driving Manual u will try to shift nice and slow and ended up going slower than Auto.